Mosiah 1-3

Were sacrifices and burnt offerings in the Book of Mormon done appropriately according to the Law of Moses? How many different temples were mentioned in the Book of Mormon? What does it mean to receive a new name? How do the Book of Mormon prophets disagree with Joseph Smith when it comes to the nature of God? The answers to these questions and more coming up.

How many different temples were mentioned in the Book of Mormon?

For the sake of time, I will not cite all the parallel phrases and words from the Old and New Testaments that are in the Book of Mormon text. While it can be argued that some of the parallels are only a coincidence, some are so strong that it is impossible to not conclude that their, true source is the King James Version of the Old and New Testament. For a complete transcript of this lesson, please click on the link in the description below.

Let’s recap for a moment what has led up to the Book of Mosiah. The man – Mosiah – lead the Nephites out of the land of Nephi into the wilderness where they eventually came upon another civilization, known as the people of Zarahemla. These people – also known as Mulekites – had come from Jerusalem about the same time as Lehi and his people. Mosiah and his followers decided to settle in the land of Zarahemla. The two people groups joined together and Mosiah became their king. Mosiah’s son – Benjamin – became the next king of Zarahemla. During his reign, the Lamanites came from the land of Nephi and waged war against the people in Zarahemla. King Benjamin led his people as they drove the Lamanites out of the area. As we pick up the story, here in the book of Mosiah – it is a time of peace. King Benjamin is getting old and is preparing to turn the government over to one of his sons.

The Book of Mosiah is written in the “third person” because it is Mormon who, in 385 AD is telling the story. He has abridged the large plates of Nephi and is now giving us his abridgment or synopsis of those plates. The books of Mosiah, Alma, Helaman, Third Nephi, Fourth Nephi, and Mormon are all abridgments of the large plates by Mormon. I hope that explanation helps. And one more observation – Mosiah lacks a head note or summary of the book’s content, which is a deviation from the rest of the Book of Mormon, so far.

Mosiah 1:1 “And now there was no more contention in all the land of Zarahemla, among all the people who belonged to king Benjamin, so that king Benjamin had continual peace all the remainder of his days.”

Mosiah 1:2 “And it came to pass that he had three sons; and he called their names Mosiah, and Helorum, and Helaman. And he caused that they should be taught in all the language of his fathers, that thereby they might become men of understanding; and that they might know concerning the prophecies which had been spoken by the mouths of their fathers, which were delivered them by the hand of the Lord.” Does it make you wonder – which language his fathers used? Did he teach them Hebrew? Or, did he teach them Reformed Egyptian? We are about to find out. The words “and he called their names” is also in Genesis 26:18.

Mosiah 1:3 “And he also taught them concerning the records which were engraven on the plates of brass, saying: My sons, I would that ye should remember that were it not for these plates, which contain these records and these commandments, we must have suffered in ignorance, even at this present time, not knowing the mysteries of God.” The words “at this present time” is also in Romans 11:5.The phrase “mysteries of God” is used by the Apostle Paul once in 1 Corinthians 4:1. Paul also uses the phrase “mystery of God” in Colossians 2:2and John uses it in Revelation 10:7. No other Old or New Testament books use this phrase. In, spite of it being unique to New Testament Christianity after 30 A.D., the Book of Mormon uses this phrase 8 times as early as 600 BC.

Mosiah 1:4 “For it were not possible that our father, Lehi, could have remembered all these things, to have taught them to his children, except it were for the help of these plates; for he having been taught in the language of the Egyptians therefore he could read these engravings, and teach them to his children, that thereby they could teach them to their children, and so fulfilling the commandments of God, even down to this present time.” Does it make sense – that those Hebrew Jews learn to speak, read, and write in Egyptian? Was Lehi, a 7th century BC Israelite, fluent in Reformed Egyptian. We need to keep in mind – the Egyptians and Jews hated each other.

Mosiah 1:5 “I say unto you, my sons, were it not for these things, which have been kept and preserved by the hand of God, that we might read and understand of his mysteries, and have his commandments always before our eyes, that even our fathers would have dwindled in unbelief, and we should have been like unto our brethren, the Lamanites, who know nothing concerning these things, or even do not believe them when they are taught them, because of the traditions of their fathers, which are not correct.” The words “things, which have been kept” is also in Matthew 13:35and, “by the hand of God that” is also Job 27:11and, “and we should have been like unto” Isaiah 1:9and, “of the traditions of their fathers” is similar, to Galatians 1:14.

Now, Benjamin bears testimony to his sons that the brass plates and the plates of Nephi are true.

Mosiah 1:6 “O my sons, I would that ye should remember that these sayings are true, and also that these records are true. And behold, also the plates of Nephi, which contain the records and sayings of our fathers from the time they left Jerusalem until now, and they are true; and we can know of their surety because we have them before our eyes.”

Mosiah 1:7 “And now, my sons, I would that ye should remember to search them diligently, that ye may profit thereby; and I would that ye should keep the commandments of God, that ye may prosper in the land according to the promise which the Lord made unto the fathers.” There’s that prosperity gospel teaching again. The words “that ye may prosper in” is also in Deuteronomy 29:9.

Mosiah 1:8 “And many more things did king Benjamin teach his sons, which are not written in this book.” Thephrase “which are not written in this book” is also in John 20:30.

Mosiah 1:9-10King Benjamin was elderly and about to die, so he told his son Mosiah II (named after his grandfather) to gather all the people in the land together at the temple in order to announce Mosiah II as their new king and ruler. The Nephites built a total of three temples that we know of in the Book of Mormon. One located in the Land of Nephi (see 2 Nephi 5:8, 16), this one located in the Land of Zarahemla (see Mosiah 1:18), and one in the Land of Bountiful (see 3 Nephi 1:11).

Mosiah 1:9The words “waxed old” is also in Joshua 23:1and, “go the way of all the earth” is also in 1 Kings2:2.

Mosiah 1:10The words “on the morrow I” is also in Acts 25:17and, “be gathered together for” is also in Numbers 11:22and, “mine own mouth” is in Job9:20and, “thou art a king” is similar, to Daniel 2:37.

Mosiah 1:11 “And moreover, I shall give this people a name, that thereby they may be distinguished above all the people which the Lord God hath brought out of the land of Jerusalem; and this I do because they have been a diligent people in keeping the commandments of the Lord.” The people who came to the temple that day to receive instruction – according to this verse – received a new “name.” I’m sure King Benjamin was referring to a single corporate name for the body of his people. But, it’s coincidental that as part of the modern LDS temple endowment ceremony – each church member receives a new name which they are told they “should always remember and which they must keep sacred and never reveal, except at a certain place.” Every Latter-day Saint (male and female) who goes through the temple on any given day of the year, receives the exact same new name – regardless of which temple they attend around the world. (To see a collection of new names associated with a schedule of dates – refer to Temple Name Oracle on the internet.”)

Mosiah 1:12 And I give unto them a name that never shall be blotted out, except it be through transgression.” This new name for Benjamin’s people will set them apart from other people – and the name is not “Mormon” or “LDS”.

As the Lord gave Abram, Sarai, Jacob, and Saul the new names of Abraham, Sarah, Israel, and Paul – it symbolized that they were now “new people” in conjunction with the blessings that come from covenanting with the Lord. We will read here – how King Benjamin uses similar symbolism as he instructs his people to receive another name – the name of Christ.

Mosiah 1:13-14Benjamin tells his son, Mosiah II, that if the people fall into transgression and become wicked that the Lord will cease to protect them from their enemies, the Lamanites.

Mosiah 1:15 “And it came to pass that after king Benjamin had made an end of these sayings to his son, that he gave him charge concerning all the affairs of the kingdom.”

Mosiah 1:16We see that the Nephites after 470 years, still have the brass plates, the large plates of Nephi, the sword of Laban (that Nephi used to murder Laban), and the magic compass ball. “And moreover, he also gave him charge concerning the records which were engraven on the plates of brass; and also the plates of Nephi; and also, the sword of Laban, and the ball or director, which led our fathers through the wilderness, which was prepared by the hand of the Lord that thereby they might be led, every one according to the heed and diligence which they gave unto him.”

Mosiah 1:17 “Therefore, as they were unfaithful they did not prosper nor progress in their journey, but were driven back, and incurred the displeasure of God upon them; and therefore they were smitten with famine and sore afflictions, to stir them up in remembrance of their duty.” The words “in remembrance of” is also in Luke 1:54and 2 Peter 1:12.

Mosiah 1:18 “And now, it came to pass that Mosiah went and did as his father had commanded him, and proclaimed unto all the people who were in the land of Zarahemla that thereby they might gather themselves together, to go up to the temple to hear the words which his father should speak unto them.”The words “that thereby they might gather themselves together” is similar, to Ezra 10:7.

Chapters 2 through 5 of Mosiahform what is known as King Benjamin’s Address.

Mosiah 2:1-2There were so many people gathered, together at the temple for this event – they had to have a tower erected for them to hear King Benjamin’s speech. No sound system in them days!

Mosiah 2:1The words “go up to the temple” is similar, to Luke 18:10.

Mosiah 2:3 “And they also took of the firstlings of their flocks, that they might offer sacrifice and burnt offerings according to the law of Moses.” The words “of the firstlings of their flocks” is similar, to Genesis4:4.The Nephites were still living under the Law of Moses – while at the same time, teaching and believing in Christ. If you were an avid reader of the Book of Mormon – and for the first time in your life read the Old Testament – it would cause you to wonder, why no one under the Old Covenant knew who Jesus Christ was! Why did the Jews in the New World know all about Jesus – when the Jews in the Old World knew nothing about who a Jesus Christ was? The only logical conclusion is – that the author or authors of the Book of Mormon were living in the 19th century and reinventing history.

Instead of helping the case for authenticity of the Book of Mormon, Mosiah 2:3actually shows that the author of the Book of Mormon didn’t understand the law of Moses. According to the law of Moses the “firstlings of their flocks” were never offered as burnt offerings or sacrifices. All firstlings belonged to the Lord and could not be counted as a man’s personal property. Whereas, all burnt offerings, or sacrifices for sin was selected from one’s own personal property. All the firstlings of the flock, as the Lord’s property, came into the hands of the high priest, and through the high priest it could offered up as a peace offering – but never as a burnt offering or sin offering. (See Exodus 13:2, 12 and Exodus 22:29-30). This mistake in the writing of the Book of Mormon shows that the author was unfamiliar with the Jewish law concerning offerings.

Mosiah 2:4The sacrifices were also to give thanks to God for protection from their enemies and for the peace they were currently enjoying in the land. The phrase “the Lord their God, who had brought them out of the land of Jerusalem” is similar, to 2 Kings 17:7 and, “the commandments of God” is also in 1 Corinthians 7:19.

Mosiah 2:5 “And it came to pass that when they came up to the temple, they pitched their tents round about, every man according to his family, consisting of his wife, and his sons, and his daughters, from the eldest down to the youngest, every family being separate one from another.” It’s similar, to the 19th century revival camps in North America. The words “round about, every man” is also in 2 Kings 11:8.

Mosiah 2:6They set up their tents with their doors facing the temple in order to hear the King. Guess they were anticipating a very long sermon.

Mosiah 2:7 “For the multitude being so great that king Benjamin could not teach them all within the walls of the temple, therefore he caused a tower to be erected, that thereby his people might hear the words which he should speak unto them.” The words “the walls of the temple” is similar, to Ezekiel 41:20.Interesting that he would have brought them all into the temple – if room allowed. That would have meant that all, of the people either had temple recommends or that temple itself wasn’t anything like the ancient temple in Jerusalem.

Mosiah 2:8Benjamin began his speech from the tower, but some people couldn’t hear him. So, he commissioned some men to write down his sermon and deliver it to those who were beyond the sound of his voice. Practically speaking – how did they write down his sermon? Did they engrave it on metal – which they would have to have had extra blank metal sheets available? Did they write on parchment paper? What language did they write in – Hebrew or Reformed Egyptian? Just wondering! The phrase “the words which he spake” is also in Acts 20:38.

Mosiah 2:9King Benjamin’s actual sermon begins in Verse 9“And these are the words which he spake and caused to be written, saying: My brethren, all ye that have assembled yourselves together, you that can hear my words which I shall speak unto you this day; for I have not commanded you to come up hither to trifle with the words which I shall speak, but that you should hearken unto me, and open your ears that ye may hear, and your hearts that ye may understand, and your minds that the mysteries of God may be unfolded to your view.”

Mosiah 2:10-15 Benjamin wants them to know that he is just a mortal man, who has been chosen to be a ruler and king over the people. He is not looking to get rich off the people or take advantage because of his position. He has not even burdened them with taxes. He reminds them that he has taught them to keep the commandments of God. He says all of this so he can answer with a clear conscience before them and God.

Mosiah 2:10 The words “I of myself” is also in John 8:42.

Mosiah 2:12This verse ends by saying “nor any manner of riches of you.” It was changed in the 1964 edition from the 1830 edition which originally read “nor no manner of riches of you.” So, from “no” to “any”.

Mosiah 2:13The words “Neither have I suffered” is also in Job 31:30and “keep the commandments of the Lord” is also in Deuteronomy 6:17.

Mosiah 2:14The words “with mine own hand” is in 2 Thessalonians 3:17and “grievous to be borne” is also in Luke 11:46and “these things which I have spoken” is similar, to John 16:1.

Mosiah 2:16 This verse starts out rather redundantly “Behold, I say unto you that because I said unto you that I had spent my days in your service, I do not desire to boast, for I have only been in the service of God.”

Mosiah 2:17One of the famous statements in the entire Book of Mormon, “And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.” It is my opinion that King Benjamin is portrayed in the Book of Mosiah as a symbol or type of Christ. Just listen to the next few verses.

Mosiah 2:18 “Behold, ye have called me your king; and if I, whom ye call your king, do labor to serve you, then ought not ye to labor to serve one another?” The words “serve one another” is also in Galatians 5:13.

Mosiah 2:19 “And behold also, if I, whom ye call your king, who has spent his days in your service, and yet has been in the service of God, do merit any thank from you, O how you ought to thank your heavenly King!” I do appreciate that thought of giving thanks and credit to God. The phrase “whom ye call your king” is similar, to Mark 15:12.

As he continues, King Ben teaches that we can never put God in the position of owing us.

Mosiah 2:20-21If the Nephites praised the God who created them, who has preserved them, and granted them to live in peace, and gave them breath to live each day – and they served Him with their whole souls – they would still be “unprofitable servants”. It is impossible to ever put God into a position of being in debt to us. The fact is, we owe everything to God.

Mosiah 2:20The phrase “peace one with another” is also in Mark 9:50.

Mosiah 2:21The words “live and move” is also in Acts 17:28and, “unprofitable servants” is in Luke 17:10.

Mosiah 2:22-25All that God requires of them in return is to keep His commandments. And if they will keep His commandments – He will bless and prosper them. And so, they won’t have reason to boast – they will always be indebted to God.

Mosiah 2:22The phrases “he hath promised you” is the same in Deuteronomy 1:11and, “he doth bless” is also in 1 Samuel 9:13.

Mosiah 2:24The words “as he hath commanded” is also in Deuteronomy 6:25and, “to boast” is in 2 Corinthians 10:16.

Mosiah 2:25The phrase “of the dust of the earth” is also in Job 14:19.

Mosiah 2:26 “And, I, even I, whom ye call your king, am no better than ye yourselves are; for I am also of the dust. And ye behold that I am old, and am about to yield up this mortal frame to its mother earth.”

Mosiah 2:27 King Benjamin then tells them the real reason he brought all of them together “that I might be found blameless, and that your blood should not come upon me, when I shall stand to be judged of God of the things whereof he hath commanded me concerning you.” In other words, he doesn’t want to be responsible for their sins, so he taught them what the Lord told him to teach them. The words “be found blameless” is similar, to 1 Timothy 3:10.

Mosiah 2:28 “I say unto you that I have cause that ye should assemble yourselves together that I might rid my garments of your blood, at this period of time when I am about to go down to my grave, that I might go down in peace, and my immortal spirit may join the choirs above in singing the praises of a just God.” Again, he doesn’t want to be held accountable for their sins. The words “assemble yourselves together, that I might” is similar, to Genesis 49:1.

Mosiah 2:29Another thing he wants to tell them is that he can no longer be their teacher, nor their king. The words “declare unto you that” is also in 1 John 1:5.

Mosiah 2:30In this verse, King Ben announces that his son, Mosiah, will be the next king and ruler over them.

So, we have had King Mosiah I (who led the people out of the land of Nephi into the land of Zarahemla), then King Benjamin, son of Mosiah I, and now Mosiah II, son of King Benjamin.

Mosiah 2:31Now, he says something that sounds a little odd “And now my brethren, I would that ye should do as ye have hitherto done. As ye have kept my commandments, and also the commandments of my father, and have prospered, and have been kept from falling into the hands of your enemies, even so if ye shall keep the commandments of my son, or the commandments of God which shall be delivered unto you by him, ye shall prosper in the land, and your enemies shall have no power over you.” Not sure why he called them his commandments, and his father’s commandments, and his son’s commandments. Why didn’t he just call them God’s commandments to begin with? I guess being a king and ruler gives you that much righteous authority that you can act like a god to the people and call them YOUR commandments. The words “brethren, I would that ye should” is similar, to 1 Corinthians 10:1 and, “delivered unto you” is also in 1 Corinthians 15:3 and, “and your enemies shall” is also in Leviticus 26:37.

Next, King Ben warns his people against one of Satan’s most effective tools – contention. From these verses, members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are warned that contention is of the devil. That contention drives away the Holy Ghost. In a conversation with someone who has a differing opinion on a gospel topic or issue – a Latter-day Saint can be quick to discern that the feeling of contention is present – thus ending the discussion. Of course, this is ignoring the biblical directive found in Jude 1:3 “Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.”

Mosiah 2:32 “But, O my people, beware lest there shall arise contentions among you, and ye list to obey the evil spirit, which was spoken by my father Mosiah.” The words “contentions among you” are also in 1 Corinthians 1:11.

Mosiah 2:33King Benjamin points out how serious it is to knowingly become an evil person. It is like drinking damnation to his soul. The phrase “drinketh damnation to his own soul” is similar, to 1 Corinthians 11:29 and, “everlasting punishment” is also in Matthew 25:46and, “God contrary to his own knowledge” is similar, toActs 18:13.

Mosiah 2:34-35 Then the king emphasizes that the people who are listening to his speech – except for their little children – are accountable for all the things that he has taught them.

Mosiah 2:34The phrase “children, that have not been taught” is similar, to Numbers 31:18 and, “which have been spoken by the holy prophets” is similar, to 2 Peter 3:2.

Mosiah 2:35The words “that which was commanded” is also in Hebrews 12:20.

Mosiah 2:36 Benjamin will again emphasize the seriousness of sinning against knowledge and he will explain the consequences of it. “And now, I say unto you, my brethren, that after ye have known and have been taught all these things, if ye should transgress and go contrary to that which has been spoken, that ye do withdraw yourselves from the Spirit of the Lord, that it may have no place in you to guide you in wisdom’s paths that ye may be blessed, prospered, and preserved.” The words “that ye do withdraw yourselves from” is similar, to 2 Thessalonians 3:6and, “have no place in you” is similar, to John 8:37.

Mosiah 2:37“I say unto you, that the man that doeth this, the same cometh out in open rebellion against God; therefore he listeth to obey the evil spirit, and becometh an enemy to all righteousness; therefore, the Lord has no place in him, for he dwelleth not in unholy temples.” I believe this verse is talking about someone who thinks and acts like Satan himself does. The words “enemy to all righteousness” is similar, to Acts 13:10and, “dwelleth not in unholy temples” is similar, to Acts 17:24.

In the next verses, King Benjamin explains what is meant by “everlasting punishment”.

Mosiah 2:38 “Therefore if that man repenteth not, and remaineth and deith an enemy to God, the demands of divine justice do awaken his immortal soul to a lively sense of his own guilt, which doth cause him to shrink form the presence of the Lord, and doth fill his breast with guilt, and pain, and anguish, which is like an unquenchable fire, whose flame ascendeth up forever and ever.” The words “unquenchable fire” is the same inMatthew 3:12and, “ascendeth up forever and ever” is also in Revelation 14:11.

Mosiah 2:39 “And now I say unto you, that mercy hath no claim on that man; therefore his final doom is to endure a never-ending torment.” The phrase “and now I say unto you” is also in Acts 5:38.

Mosiah 2:41 “And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness. O remember, remember that these things are true; for the Lord God hath spoken it.” The words “those that keep the commandments of God” is similar, to Revelation 14:12.

Mosiah 3:1King Benjamin now wants to prophesy about the future and that which is to come. The words “concerning that which is to come” is similar, to 1 Timothy 4:8.

Mosiah 3:2He learned of these things from an angel who had appeared to him while he slept. The words “and behold he stood” is also in Genesis 41:1.

Mosiah 3:3The angel came to declare “glad tidings of great joy” which is similar, to Luke 2:10.

Mosiah 3:4He tells Benjamin that God has judged him to be a righteous king. The phrase “For the Lord hath heard” is also in Psalm 6:8and, “that they may also be filled with joy” is similar, to 2 Timothy 1:4.

Mosiah 3:5We know that King Benjamin and his people already knew of the future birth and mission of Christ from our study in the Book of Mormon so far. But Benjamin is going to tell us one more time about Jesus. “For behold, the time cometh, and is not far distant, that with power, the Lord Omnipotent who reigneth, who was, and is from all eternity to all eternity, shall come down from heaven among the children of men, and shall dwell in a tabernacle of clay, and shall go forth amongst men, working mighty miracles, such as healing the sick, raising the dead, causing the lame to walk, the blind to receive their sight, and the deaf to hear, and curing all manner of diseases.” His ministry that is “not far distant” is still 150 years away. The word “Omnipotent” is referring to deity having unlimited power – able to do anything. This quality is an attribute given to a Monotheistic God. The word “Omnipotent” is of Latin origin via Old French from the 14th century. How did this word get engravened onto metal plates about 124 B.C.? This is an example of a linguistic anachronism.

Let’s read again, the first part of Mosiah 3:5 “the Lord Omnipotent who reigneth, who was, and is from all eternity to all eternity.” Has God always existed, unchangeable from all eternity to all eternity – like this verse says? Not according to the Teachings of Prophet Joseph Smith p. 346“We have imagined and supposed that God was God from all eternity. I will refute that idea…he was once a man like us…” Let’s read Moroni 8:18“For I know that God is not a partial God, neither a changeable being; but he is unchangeable from all eternity toall eternity.” Well, Joseph, where did we “imagine and supposed” this? From these Book of Mormon passages – that’s where! Who are we supposed to believe – King Benjamin and Mormon or, Joseph Smith?

The phrase “the Lord Omnipotent who reigneth” is similar, to Revelation 19:6and, “in a tabernacle” is also in 2 Samuel 7:6and, “the lame to walk” is in Matthew 15:31and, “the blind to receive their sight” “and the the deaf to hear” is in Matthew 11:5.

Mosiah 3:6And Jesus will cast out devils and evil spirits. The words “shall cast out devils” is similar, to Mark 16:17and, “the evil spirits” is the same in Acts 19:12.

Mosiah 3:7 “And lo, he shall suffer temptations, and pain of body, hunger, thirst, and fatigue, even more than man can suffer, except it be unto death; for behold, blood come from every pore, so great shall be his anguish for the wickedness and the abominations of his people.” This is speaking of the Atonement. This verse also goes along with Doctrine and Covenants 19:18 “Which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and suffer both body and spirit – and would that I might not drink the bitter cup and shrink.” It’s important to realize that both passages were revealed, translated or written by Joseph Smith in 1828 to 1830. During that time, he was still a monotheist. That is why it is God himself, who is suffering in those verses. But neither reference mentions where the Atonement took place. We know from reading the Scripture as, a whole that it occurred NOT in a Garden, but on the Cross. (see T2M Episodes 68 and 69)

Mosiah 3:8 “And he shall be called Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Father in heaven and earth, the Creator of all things from the beginning; and his mother shall be called Mary.” Did you get that? Jesus Christ is called “the Son of God, the Father in heaven and earth, the Creator.” That would agree with Title Page of theBook of Mormon which says that “JESUS is the CHRIST, the ETERNAL GOD.” The words “Jesus Christ, the Son of God” is also in Mark 1:1and, “his mother shall be called Mary” is similar, to Matthew 13:55. King Benjamin’s prophetic information is so specific that it even includes the name of Jesus’ mortal mother – “Mary.” Mary’s name is also mentioned in Alma 7:10. No prophet in the Old Testament knew the name of Jesus, no less – the name of His mother, Mary.

Mosiah 3:9Benjamin tells the people the outcome of Jesus’ mortal ministry. He will be scourged and crucified. The words “lo, he cometh” is also in Exodus 8:20and, “through faith on his name” is similar, to Acts 3:16and, “and say that he hath a devil” is similar, to John 10:20and, “and shall scourge him” is similar, to Mark 10:34 and, “crucify him” is also in Matthew 20:19.

Mosiah 3:10 “And he shall rise the third day from the dead; and behold he standeth to judge the world; and behold, all these things are done that a righteous judgment might come upon the children of men.” Thewords “he shall rise the third day” is also in Mark 9:31and, “from the dead; and behold, he” is also in Matthew 28:7and, “to judge the world” is also in John 12:47and, “righteous judgment” is also inJohn7:24.

Mosiah 3:11 “For behold, and also his blood atoneth for the sins of those who have fallen by transgression of Adam, who have died not knowing the will of God concerning them, or who have ignorantly sinned.” Sounds like it’s teaching that those who die, not knowing about Christ and the gospel, are saved without any real effort on their part. That might sound like they are the lucky ones because they are unaccountable. The words “the will of God” is also in Ephesians 6:6 and, “have ignorantly sinned” is similar, to Numbers 15:28.

Mosiah 3:12-13Benjamin reminds his people who have the gospel here during mortality – how serious it is that they live it and that they use repentance for forgiveness of their sins.

Mosiah 3:13The words “to every kindred, nation, and tongue” is similar, to Revelation 14:6and, “might receive remission of their sins” is similar, to Acts 10:43and, “rejoice with exceedingly great joy” is similar, to Matthew 2:10.

Mosiah 3:14Next, King Benjamin will explain that the Law of Moses was necessary in order to prepare the prideful and rebellious Israelites to receive the Messiah. The phrase “a stiffnecked people” is also in Exodus 34:9.

Mosiah 3:15 “And many signs, and wonders, and types, and shadows showed he unto them, concerning his coming; and also holy prophets spake unto them concerning his coming; and yet they hardened their hearts, and understood not that the law of Moses availeth nothing except it were through the atonement of his blood.” The Jews were convinced in their traditions that taught the Law of Moses could bring salvation. So much so, that they crucified Jesus when He taught that He came to fulfill the Law. The laws and rituals of the Law of Moses were full of “types and shadows” of the Messiah. The words “many signs, and wonders” is also in Acts 5:12.

Mosiah 3:16 “And even if it were possible that little children could sin they could not be saved; but I say unto you they are blessed; for behold, as in Adam, or by nature, they fall, even so the blood of Christ atoneth for their sins.” The biblical understanding is that all human beings are born with a sin nature. Religious institutions – like Catholicism and some Protestant churches teach that children are “conceived in sin” and therefore, they must be baptized as infants. If they are not baptized, and they die – they are doomed forever and can never enter heaven. This was a popular controversy in Joseph Smith’s day – whether or, not infants needed baptism. Conveniently, this issue was settled in the Book of Mormon. In Moroni chapter 8, we will read more about this teaching. But, for now – the LDS Church teaches in Doctrine and Covenants 68:25that the proper age for children to be baptized is eight years old. And Doctrine and Covenants 137:10teaches that “all children who die before they arrive at the age of accountability are saved in the celestial kingdom of heaven.” In fact, Joseph Feilding Smithsaid in his Doctrines of Salvation vol. 3 page 65 that these children will choose companions during the Millennium and righteous mortals will be sealed by proxy for them in the LDS temples. But, of course – none of that is biblical. The words “as in Adam” is also in 1 Corinthians 15:22and, “the blood of Christ” is in Hebrews 9:14.

One change Joseph Smith made to his Inspired Version of the Bible is at Genesis 17:10-12where God makes a covenant with Abraham, requiring circumcision at “eight days” old. Although this covenant was performed for centuries by all the biblical prophets up through the time of Christ – Joseph Smith changed it from “eight days” to “eight years” (see Genesis 17:11 in the Joseph Smith Translation). And, this change forms the basis for the Mormon practice of baptism at “eight years” – even though the context of the passage speaks of circumcision, and not baptism. Think about it – Would God really wait over 3,000 years, allowing His prophets and His Only Begotten Son to perform the first covenant wrong – until Joseph Smith comes along in the 1800s and corrects it in his Bible? Of course not!

Mosiah 3:17 “And moreover, I say unto you, that there shall be no other name given nor any other way nor means whereby salvation can come unto the children of men, only in and through the name of Christ, the Lord Omnipotent.” In the 1830 edition it read “no other name given nor no other way” It was changed in the1964 edition to just “nor” – dropping the “no”. In terms of Mormonism – salvation means exaltation in the celestial kingdom. This verse is similar, to Acts 4:12.

Mosiah 3:18Benjamin reminds his people that God’s judgment is just and fair. They should become as little children and believe that salvation comes “through the atoning blood of Christ – the Lord Omnipotent.” The words “he judgeth, and his judgment is just” is similar, to John 5:30 and, “drinketh damnation to their own” is similar, to 1 Corinthians 11:29 and, “and become as little children” is the same in Matthew 18:3and, “was, and is, and is to come” is also in Revelation 4:8and, “blood of Christ” is also in 1 Corinthians 10:16.

Mosiah 3:19King Benjamin teaches how to avoid becoming natural men and women, “For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man and becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father.” Modern Mormonism teaches that people are not “naturally” evil or born that way. Rather, people become that way by violating God’s commandments. But this understanding opposes King Benjamin’s teaching. The words “the natural man” is also in 1 Corinthians 2:14, and “putteth off the natural man” is similar, to Colossians 3:9.

Mosiah 3:20-22Benjamin prophesies that the knowledge of the Savior will eventually spread throughout the world and none will be found blameless or without accountability before God, accept little children.

Mosiah 3:20The phrase “the time shall come” is also in John 16:4and, “throughout every nation, kindred, tongue and people” is similar, to Revelation 14:6.

Mosiah 3:24He tells them that every man will be judged according to his works which is similar, to Revelation 20:13.

Mosiah 3:25 “And if they be evil they are consigned to an awful view of their own guilt and abominations, which doth cause them to shrink from the presence of the Lord into a state of misery and endless torment, from whence they can no more return; therefore they have drunk damnation to their own souls.” The phrase “have drunk damnation to their own souls” is similar, to 1 Corinthians 11:29.

Mosiah 3:26Finally, King Benjamin speaks of those who willfully and intentionally rebel against God’s commandments, “Therefore, they have drunk out of the cup of the wrath of God, which justice could no more deny unto them than it could deny that Adam should fall because of his partaking of the forbidden fruit; therefore, mercy could have claim on them no more forever.” He’s speaking about the law of justice and mercy. The phrase “drink out of the cup of the wrath of God, which” is similar, to Revelation 14:10.

Mosiah 3:27 “And their torment is as a lake of fire and brimstone, whose flames are unquenchable, and whose smoke ascendeth up forever and ever. Thus hath the Lord commanded me. Amen.” The words “lake of fire and brimstone” is also in Revelation 20:10and, “whose smoke ascendeth up forever and ever” is similar, to Revelation 14:11and, “hath the Lord commanded” is also in Acts 13:47.

And, this concludes our study for today. For More you can find this podcast on demand were ever you listen to podcasts and on YouTube. You can also find us on Facebook. And share this with your friends. Or, you can go to our website at Talking toMormons.com where you can download this script and learn much more. Links are in the description.